The Maharaja was installed on the gadi with full powers, except in regard to capital punishment, on the 2nd of April 1894 A.D., by His Excellency Lord Harris, the then Governor of Bombay. The restriction in criminal powers requiring the
sanction of the Bombay Government to sentences of death, was removed in the year 1895 A.D.; and in the same year the title of G.C.S.I. was conferred on His Highness by Her Majesty the Queen-Empress. In 1900 A.D. His Excellency the Viceroy and
Governor-General of India conferred upon His Highness the title of "Maharaja" as a hereditary distinction. In the year 1902 A.D. His Highness was invited to be present in England, on the occasion of the coronation of His late Majesty Edward VII, King-Emperor. During His Highness' sojourn in England, the University of Cambridge conferred upon him the honorary degree of L.L.D., and the Royal Agricultural Society of England marked their appreciation of His Highness keen interest in agriculture, by making him an honorary member of their Society. The high distinction of G. C. V. O.
was conferred upon him at Delhi in 1903 A.D.
The Military force of the State consists of two separate establishments: (1) the Kolhapur Infantry officered by 2 Europeans and 553 strong, and (2) the Cavalry known as the Red-coated Risala with 156 horsemen, under the command of a Native Officer designated Risaldar. There are 57 guns in all, of which only 10 are mounted and used for purposes of salute.
The gross revenue and expenditure brought to account during the year 1909-10 amounted respectively to Rs. 54,30,161 and Rs. 52,31,733; while the net receipts exclusive of alienations, debts, deposits Ere. amounted to Rs. 23,83,464, and the net expenditure to Rs. 22,51,414.
Inclusive of its Feudatory States, the area of Kolhapur is 3165*3 square miles comprising 1,079 villages, with a population of 8,33,440 according to the Census of 1911 A.D. The captial town is Kolhapur, originally called Karwir.
The Maharajas of Kolhapur are entitled to a salute of 19 guns and hold a patent or sanad of adoption. His Highness the present Maharaja's salute was increased by two guns on the 1st of January 1909 as a personal honour, in recognition of His Highness' loyalty to the British Throne.
